Industry Report Part 1: New J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey Puts Hyundai Above Toyota

What about the brands most of us drive? The top non-premium brand is Honda, shooting up the IQS chart from 11th in 2003 to 4th place in 2004 (from 128 to 99 PP100). Just behind is Buick, maintaining its 5th place

Lexus didn't budge from its number one IQS placement, the same rank it held last year. Still, the Japanese luxury marque couldn't duplicate its amazingly low 76 problems per 100 vehicle 2003 rating, instead managing only 87 this year. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

rating, albeit the upscale GM division, that actually straddles the line between entry-luxury and premium, improves from 112 PP100 to 100. Buick's 100 problems per 100 vehicles is tied with Ford Motor's Mercury brand that sits in 6th place, again due to alphabetical order, also not moving from last year. After Hyundai in 7th is Toyota in 9th (from 121 to 104 PP100), followed by Oldsmobile in 13th position (from 134 to 110 PP100), a solid result for a marque that unfortunately will soon be phased out now that its last vehicle rolled off the assembly

Cadillac managed to hold on to its enviable number two position, from 2003 through to 2004. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

line on Thursday, April 22. Chevrolet, in 16th position (from 130 to 119 PP100), is the final brand to rate above average.

Chrysler continues as leader of the below average crowd at 17th, missing out by one problem per 100 vehicles at 120, but it has improved quality from 136 problems per 100 vehicles last year. Dodge slots in right behind in 18th place (from 137 to 121 PP100), with GM's Pontiac rated in 20th position, maintaining 142 problems per 100 vehicles.

Subaru, GMC, Ford and Mitsubishi follow in 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th places respectively, all improving their problems per 100 vehicle rating by 146 to 123 for Subaru, 144 to 127 for GMC, 136 to 130 for Ford, and 138 to 130 for Mitsubishi (Ford and Mitsubishi tied for 23rd actually).